2 Months Yunnan Tour Itinerary

Designing a 2-month itinerary for exploring Yunnan allows for a comprehensive exploration of its diverse landscapes, cultures, and attractions. Here’s a detailed plan covering major regions and highlights across Yunnan:

Month 1: Southern and Central Yunnan

Week 1-2: Kunming and Surroundings

  • Day 1-3: Kunming
    • Explore Stone Forest (Shilin), Yuantong Temple, and Green Lake Park.
  • Day 4-7: Dongchuan Red Land
    • Enjoy photography of the vibrant red earth landscapes and visit local villages.

Week 3-4: Southeastern Yunnan

  • Day 8-10: Jianshui
    • Discover Jianshui Ancient Town, Zhu Family Garden, and Double Dragon Bridge.
  • Day 11-14: Yuanyang
    • Visit Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Duoyishu Scenic Area, and local Hani villages.

Week 5-6: Eastern Yunnan

  • Day 15-18: Puzhehei and Wenshan
    • Explore Puzhehei Scenic Area, Xiangshui Lake, and Red River Valley in Wenshan.
  • Day 19-21: Zhaotong
    • Visit Zhaotong Old Town, Daqing Mountain, and Jiulong Waterfalls.

Week 7-8: Central Yunnan

  • Day 22-25: Dali
    • Explore Dali Ancient Town, Erhai Lake, Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple.
  • Day 26-28: Lijiang
    • Discover Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Black Dragon Pool.

Month 2: Northern and Western Yunnan

Week 9-10: Northwestern Yunnan

  • Day 29-31: Shangri-La (Zhongdian)
    • Visit Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park, and Napa Lake.
  • Day 32-35: Deqin
    • Explore Meili Snow Mountain (Kawa Karpo) and Feilai Temple.

Week 11-12: Western Yunnan

  • Day 36-39: Tengchong
    • Discover Tengchong Volcano Park, Beihai Wetland, and Hot Sea.
  • Day 40-42: Baoshan
    • Visit Gaoligong Mountain Nature Reserve and explore local Lisu villages.

Week 13-14: Southern Yunnan

  • Day 43-45: Xishuangbanna
    • Explore Jinghong City, Wild Elephant Valley, Dai Minority villages, and Menglun Tropical Botanical Garden.
  • Day 46-49: Pu’er
    • Visit Puer Tea plantations, Nanmenguan Ancient Tea Horse Road, and Simao Old Town.

Week 15-16: Return to Kunming and Further Exploration

  • Day 50-53: Kunming
    • Reflect on your journey, visit local markets, and explore any missed attractions.
  • Day 54-60: Additional Exploration
    • Depending on interests, explore areas such as Nujiang, Chuxiong, and Qujing or revisit favorite spots.

Logistics and Recommendations

  • Transportation: Utilize domestic flights, high-speed trains, and long-distance buses for inter-city travel.
  • Accommodation: Book hotels, guesthouses, and local homestays in advance, especially during peak seasons.
  • Local Cuisine: Sample diverse Yunnan cuisine, known for its flavors influenced by various ethnic groups.
  • Outdoor Activities: Plan for hiking, photography tours, and cultural experiences aligned with local festivals and events.

This extensive itinerary ensures a deep dive into Yunnan’s natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse ethnic heritage, offering an unforgettable travel experience over two months. Adjust the schedule based on personal interests, seasonal considerations, and travel preferences.